Cast
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Gary Cooper
as Professor Bertram Potts
Barbara Stanwyck
as Sugarpuss O’Shea
Oskar Homolka
as Prof. Gurkakoff
Henry Travers
as Prof. Jerome
S.Z. Sakall
as Prof. Magenbruch
Tully Marshall
as Prof. Robinson
Leonid Kinskey
as Prof. Quintana
Richard Haydn
as Prof. Oddly
Aubrey Mather
as Prof. Peagram
Allen Jenkins
as Garbage Man
Dana Andrews
as Joe Lilac
Dan Duryea
as Duke Pastrami
Ralph Peters
as Asthma Anderson
Kathleen Howard
as Miss Bragg
Charles Lane
as Larsen
Crew
Director
- Howard Hawks
Producer
- Samuel Goldwyn
Reviews
CinemaSerf
This is a cracking little comedy with Gary Cooper as the unlikely boffin "Prof. Potts" who, alongside a group of equally eminent academics has been working on an encyclopaedia for the previous 9 years - and they've only got to "S". Enter the mailman who is doing a radio quiz just as our professor is concluding his section on slang - only for him to realise that their studious isolation has left them so out of touch as to render his slang definition worthless. Off he sets into the city to learn more where he alights on night-club singer "Sugarpuss O'Shea" (Barbara Stanwyck) and her colleagues who offer him a fascinatingly new vernacular. Turns out that she is the moll of wanted gangster "Joe Lilac" (Dana Andrews) so she agrees to help them develop their book whilst using their dignified home as a hideaway. A bit like Greer Garson in "Goodbye Mr. Chips" (1939), only much feistier, she melts the hearts of the old starched shirts and soon Cooper has become totally smitten.... Both leads are on top form; the writing barely comes up for breath as this pacy, engaging comedy comes to a suitably Damoclean conclusion... Great fun!
Jun 25, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Ball of Fire represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Howard Hawks brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1941, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ball of Fire took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 426 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1941, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ball of Fire shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Night in Paradise, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ball of Fire subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Joe Bullet and Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead explore similar territory, Ball of Fire stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 2, 1941
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Revenue: $2,641,000
Where to Watch
